The Investec Cape Town Art Fair has long been a meeting point for collectors, curators, and creatives, but its 13th edition in 2026 proved to be more than just an exhibition. With over 34,000 visitors, 126 exhibitors from 34 cities, and more than 490 artists showcased, the fair broke attendance records and cemented its reputation as Africa’s leading contemporary art event.
At the heart of this cultural milestone were five prizes, each offering recognition, visibility, and international opportunities that can reshape an artist’s practice overnight.
Here’s a closer look at the winners whose triumphs are redefining the future of African creativity.
1. Chidirim Nwaubani – Tomorrows/Today Prize
Represented by Doyle Wham, Nwaubani was awarded the Tomorrows/Today Prize, a category dedicated to emerging and under-represented voices. His practice embodies the spirit of experimentation and boundary pushing that this section of the fair is known for.
The prize is not just about recognition. It is about spotlighting artists at pivotal moments in their careers. For Nwaubani, this win signals his arrival on the global stage, positioning him as a voice to watch in contemporary African art.
2. Mellaney Roberts – RDC Art Collection Award
Roberts, represented by Berman Contemporary, took home the RDC Art Collection Award, which guarantees her work will be exhibited in one of RDC’s landmark buildings. This ensures sustained visibility beyond the fair’s four-day run.
For Roberts, the win is deeply personal and communal. “It’s not just for me, but it’s also about taking it back to my community, showing them the appreciation and the hard work that went into excavating their memories, identity, and what land means to us,” she explained. Her art becomes a vessel for collective memory, making this recognition a victory for Bobbejaanskloof as much as for herself.
3. Warren Maroon – Investec Emerging Artist Award
Now in its second year, the Investec Emerging Artist Award was awarded to Maroon, represented by Everard Read. His sculptures, crafted from the detritus of everyday life in the Cape Flats, transform discarded materials into works of meaning and beauty.
Maroon’s practice is a visual representation of resilience and creativity born from lived experience. This recognition not only validates his artistry but also accelerates his trajectory, opening doors to international opportunities and positioning him as a rising star in South African sculpture.
4. Sibusiso Bheka – ORMS International Photography Prize
The inaugural ORMS International Photography Prize went to Bheka, represented by Afronova. His work demonstrates that photography remains one of the most urgent mediums for engaging with our image saturated world.
Bheka treats the photographic image not just as documentation but as a conceptual tool for critique. His win comes with a substantial cash prize and a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 printer, enabling him to produce museum quality archival prints. “The win for me represents hope and also patience,” he shared, underscoring the emotional weight of this recognition.
5. Amy Rusch – Materiality Prize
Rusch, represented by Suburbia Contemporary, received the Materiality Prize in partnership with Homo Faber. For her, material is not just a medium but meaning itself.
Her win secures an all expenses paid fellowship in Venice, Italy, where she will participate in Homo Faber’s eight month masterclass bridging craft, design, and artisanal knowledge. Gallery Manager Maria Ribas expressed pride in Rusch’s achievement, noting her critical engagement with environmental discourse. At a time when the art world is rediscovering tactility and process, Rusch’s recognition places her at the center of a global conversation about making with one’s hands.
Fair Director Laura Vincenti captured the essence of these awards: “Prizes are not just acknowledgements; they create momentum. They offer visibility, confidence, and, in many cases, a turning point.”
Momentum is exactly what these five artists now carry with them. Whether it is Roberts bringing her community’s stories into RDC’s public spaces, Maroon transforming Cape Flats resilience into sculpture, or Rusch bridging African craft with Venetian tradition, each win represents a turning point.
The introduction of the ORMS International Photography Prize and the Materiality Prize also signals where contemporary practice is heading. Process, materiality, and conceptual engagement are becoming central to how artists engage with the world. Together with the returning awards, they reflect the fair’s evolution into a globally relevant platform, reinforcing its role not only as a marketplace but also as a launchpad for careers.
By spotlighting artists whose practices are deeply rooted in identity, community, and material exploration, the fair reaffirmed its place as Africa’s most significant art event.
